The investigation began the morning of March 2 after school administration and Red Deer RCMP received reports of a threat on the social media platform Instagram, in which several youth were alleged to have discussed bringing firearms to the school. Hunting Hills High School was placed in lockdown as a safety precaution; RCMP took three youth into custody at the school and the lockdown was lifted after those arrests. There was no immediate danger to students or staff and the youth were not in possession of weapons at the time of their arrests.

A 17 year old male and two 16 year old males each face one charge of uttering threats under section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code. Each has been released from custody with numerous conditions and are all scheduled to appear in court in Red Deer on March 15 at 9:30 am. Their names cannot be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

“RCMP take statements like this very seriously and investigate them as a threat to public safety,” says Corporal Karyn Kay of the Red Deer RCMP. “People need to understand that uttering threats on social media is a Criminal Code offence, and Red Deer RCMP will treat it with the seriousness that all threats to the safety of the public deserve.”

Red Deer RCMP commend students and staff at the high school for their prompt action in engaging police and for their cooperation during the course of the investigation.

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Media contact:Cpl. Karyn KayRed Deer RCMP403-391-4034

BACKGROUND:

March 2, 2018

Red Deer RCMP investigate social media threat directed at school

Red Deer, Alberta – Red Deer RCMP are currently on scene at Hunting Hills High School investigating an alleged threat toward the school that was posted on social media; the school has been placed in lockdown as a precautionary safety measure, but there are no weapons involved in this incident and there was no immediate risk to students, staff or the public.

The investigation began after someone reported seeing a threat toward the school on social media; that post has since been removed. Red Deer RCMP have one youth in custody and continue to investigate. The lockdown is expected to be lifted shortly.

The investigation is in its early stages, and Red Deer RCMP will issue an update on Monday once more information becomes available. RCMP thank the students and staff at Hunting Hills High School for their immediate engagement with police when they became aware of the threat. Public safety is the top priority for Red Deer RCMP, and threats such as this one will be investigated thoroughly.